The Grace of Being Chosen

Vocation is not a burden but a gift. It is God’s invitation to abide in Him, to bear fruit, and to live a life of love and service. As Saint Paul reminds us: “My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Corinthians 12:9). This truth has guided me from the very first day I entered the convent, filling my heart with joy, courage, and gratitude. I still recall the joy of that day-joy mixed with a little worry. I was happy because I felt the love of God upon me, even though compared with others my age, I entered a little later. Yet His call reminded me: it is never too late to leave everything and follow Him. His grace was enough for me to walk through that door. My worry came from knowing that life inside the convent is different from life outside. I was stepping into a fellowship with Christ, called to speak the truth and bear witness to His presence. How could I live worthily of this call? How could I put down my ego for the good of others and the community? It is not easy- but His grace is enough for me to cross all those challenges.

During the retreat, Father Narciso Jr. reminded us: “That’s why you are here—because you listen and responded to God’s call.” Listening is important, but responding is most important. As Scripture says: “Many are called but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14). I always recall the day I entered the convent. It gives me courage and motivation to continue. God called me by name—the name He gave me through my parents. I believe He chose me from the very moment of my conception. His love is eternal, and my response is simple: “Here I am, Lord.” My vocation is from God Himself as Jesus said: “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you” (John 15:16). To abide in Him is to bear fruit. Without Him, I can do nothing.

As a Dominican novice, I learned that through prayer, I encounter Christ, contemplate His mysteries, and bear witness to His presence. Without prayer, ministry and study lose their meaning. Study is a search for truth, deepens my knowledge of God and equips me to preach and live. Community life is a school of charity, patience, forgiveness, and humility, to live with joy and openness to transformation. Mission is service, evangelization and presence where the Church needs us most. I am deeply grateful to the MDR Congregation, my Province in China, and the Philippine Province, especially our formators, for their guidance, dedication and support which helped me grow in this journey.

Consecrated life means belonging fully to Christ. Through the vows, I surrender everything to God in a radical way of discipleship. Poverty reminds me that my treasure is Christ alone. Chastity is an undivided love for God, sanctifying my desires, and opening my heart to love universally. Obedience is listening with faith and humility, discerning God’s will, and surrendering to His hands. They are a covenant of love, a daily promise of fidelity, perseverance, and joy. As Jesus surrendered to the Father, so too must I surrender fully to Him.

My vocation is a gift, a grace, and a covenant. It is not self‑promotion or ambition, but a response to God’s love. Like Saint Dominic, Mother Ascension Nicol, and Father Ramon Zubieta, I also am called to practice prayer, study, community, and mission, I walk the Dominican way. Through poverty, chastity, and obedience, I belong fully to Christ. And through His grace, I continue to grow, to serve, and to live joyfully in His love. “My grace is sufficient for you… Abide in me… and you will bear much fruit.” Thank you, sisters, for walking with me on this journey.

Maria Nguyễn Thị Nga– Novice